Christina Nielsen will substitute for Jackie Heinricher at Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian for the 2019 Rolex 24 at Daytona. The team announced the switch on Friday morning. Heinricher cited a back injury that keeps her out of the team’s No. 57 Caterpillar Acura NSX GT3 Evo.

With the two-time IMSA GT Daytona class champion now in the lineup, it still ensures an all-female entry to the race. Nielsen shares the car with Katherine Legge, Ana Beatriz and Simona de Silvestro. Heinricher will be on site as program leader of the Caterpillar-led initiative and hopes to resume in Sebring in March.

“It is great to have another talented and experienced driver join the Heinricher Racing/MSR Caterpillar effort. So we are fortunate to be able to bring Christina (Nielsen) on board,” Heinricher said.

“She is very talented and has accomplished a tremendous amount in her young career. And she will be a great fit with the team. It was a tough decision to step out but its what’s best for me, the drivers and the team. I’ll be right there with everyone from the pit stand and ready to get back in the car for the rest of the season.”

Nielsen added, “The whole program that Jackie (Heinricher) has put together is a great initiative and something that I’m very excited to be a part of.

“It is amazing what she has done with Caterpillar and bringing them into sports car racing. Mike (Shank) is somewhat of a legend in the paddock and I have had the pleasure to race against him for many years. He runs a very professional program and they showed their strength in 2018 with a near championship. MSR is a team that you want to be with and I am grateful for the opportunity.”